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Daylesford Hay Barn, Daylesford - 5 bubbles
Our good Spa Spy and Sister donned their Marie Antoinette Shepherdess costumes and headed to Gloucestershire for some massage and some yoga. They floated home uplifted, calm, and organic from top to toe, but thankfully without any topiary. We'd have had a hard time explaining that on the expense account.
Was it easy to book?
First impressions?
How did they welcome you?
What happens next?
Which treatments did you have?
What were the treatments like?
How did you feel afterwards?
What happens afterwards?
Was it worth it?
What else could you have?
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
Any special features?
Who do you think would like it?
Why did you give the spa this rating?
Would you go again?
Was it easy to book?
Yes, the receptionist was efficient, well-informed and had an aura of calm.
First impressions?
Farm-chic. Daylesford Haybarn is located within the wider Daylesford Organic mini-empire. The Daylesford Organic farm includes a 20-acre organic market garden, creamery and livestock. Smart converted barn buildings house an organic restaurant, upmarket shop, and spa.
How did they welcome you?
In a friendly, relaxed manner. The receptionist showed my sister and me to one of two waiting-and-relaxation areas, beautifully styled in whitewashed wood and neutrals, with quartz crystals and some daisies.
What happens next?
The receptionist gave us each a short health questionnaire to complete, presented on a tray with a glass of water and a daisy. My sister aimed to de-stress at a yoga class while I was enjoying my spa treatment. A member of staff therefore took her upstairs to one of Daylesford's two voluminous yoga studios, while I was escorted to a spacious light-drenched treatment room, also on the first floor.
Which treatments did you have?
I had the Bamford Body signature treatment (£100, 90 minutes). My sister took part in a group yoga class (£15, 90 minutes).
What were the treatments like?
Serene, indulgent, relaxing and original.
Abigail, my therapist, left the room while I got undressed and wrapped myself in a towel. On her return, she bathed my feet in a large wooden bowl as she talked me through the treatment.
The Bamford Body is a slow and calming massage with elements of shiatsu. The massage covered my whole body, with the exception of face and stomach areas. Abigail said she would be using Bamford's own range of organic oils. She described the four oils for me so I could pick my favourite. It was a toss-up between soothing camomile with a hint of peppermint, or the more floral geranium. A scent test convinced me to choose the more subtle camomile option. Abigail then held up a towel while I climbed onto one of the most comfortable massage couches I have ever been on, complete with extra-padded removable face-rest. Face-down, I was ready to enjoy my treatment.
The Bamford Body treatment started with a head massage. Abigail gradually worked her way down my back, arms and legs, treating each limb separately. Her movements were slow, medium-firm and purposeful. She had a Zen-calm sense of confidence about her. I felt that she was tailoring the treatment to me and reading my body as she went.
Abigail then asked me to turn onto my back and move down the couch so that my head rested on the main bed. She immediately placed an eye pillow over my eyes to block out the light that was streaming into the room. This added to my sense of relaxation. Abigail then worked her way down the front of my body in the same confident manner while I enjoyed the peace and soothing, interrupted only by the occasional swish of Abigail's pristine white uniform.
The treatment ended with Abigail pouring warm oil onto my feet, then wrapping them in hot towels. This felt extremely pleasant and left my feet feeling impressively soft. It was the perfect ending to a perfect treatment.
My sister reported that her group yoga class was "very relaxing and enjoyable". The class inspired her to embrace yoga in her life, and to try some further classes nearer to home. They take yoga seriously at Daylesford. The setting is "calm/glamorous"; the teacher very capable. We were impressed to find that not only do Daylesford Haybarn have two yoga studios, but they have a dedicated Pilates studio, too.
How did you feel afterwards?
Calm, soothed, and hungry for my organic lunch.
What happens afterwards?
I went back to the reception area for a cup of herbal tea before heading across the courtyard to the restaurant. I resisted the £1,000 topiaried box trees on sale in the Daylesford Organic shop. That gave me an insight into the type of clientele that Daylseford are targeting. The Bamford Hay Barn is definitely aimed at an upmarket audience and the aspiration rubs off a little. Make sure you have your feet firmly back on the ground if you go into the shop, as some of the prices take this aspiration to the extreme.
Was it worth it?
Definitely. At £100 for 90 minutes, my treatment was relatively expensive. However, I felt that I was getting extra value from the sublime surroundings and décor.
What else could you have?
You can book in for Holistic Lifestyle counselling with Bamford's qualified Ayurvedic doctor. There's a great variety of massages. Try Thai, deep tissue, pregnancy, stone therapy, Ayurvedic, Indian Head, Balinese, or good old-fashioned back, neck and shoulders. You can enjoy an Ayurvedic Shirodhara treatment on a beautiful Indian wooden bed with a silver Dhara vessel. The custom Japanese REN facial includes ko-bi-do massage.
There's yoga, Pilates and meditation classes, both in groups and on a one-to-one basis.
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
How fantastic the food is. I'd have skipped breakfast! My lunch hit the spot perfectly. It was indulgent and delicious but healthy. The pea risotto was perfection in green and followed on from my ham-hock terrine perfectly. I ensured that I saved room for the divine hot chocolate soufflé and home-made vanilla ice cream.
Any special features?
The rural setting, farm-chic décor and the organic food.
Who do you think would like it?
Anyone looking for a calming experience in a tasteful and peaceful environment, with great healthy food on the side.
Anyone looking for a more authentic and spiritual relaxation experience.
Anyone who loves yoga and takes it at least relatively seriously.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
We gave the Daylesford Hay Barn 5 bubbles. We couldn't fault anything with the spa when we visited. It was a clear-cut 5-bubble experience all round, from the staff to the treatment, to the overall environment. And that's before I even mention the food...
See more on how we rate the spas
Would you go again?
I would love to try the Shirodhara treatment as the authentic wooden bed and silver Dhara look so impressive.
We visited Daylesford Hay Barn in July 2008
See also:
* Contact Details for Daylesford Hay Barn
* Our Spa Spies review REN products
* Shiatsu
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